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Christ in the Abyss: Cultivating Deep Faith amid Depression and Despair
A Hopeful, Honest Invitation into a Faith That Endures in the Depths.
For those navigating the stormy waters of depression, despair, or mental illness, Christ in the Abyss offers a rare kind of spiritual companionship. In this raw and redemptive book, Jean Neely shares her decades-long journey with mental health challenges and faith, testifying that Christ’s presence isn’t reserved for the healed―but is found in the very heart of our pain. With poetic clarity and unflinching honesty, Neely challenges triumphalist Christian narratives and stigma in the church and offers a vision of grace and hope that holds, even when nothing is resolved. In this book, you’ll
An alternative to “healing-only” faith narratives that makes room for whose emotional suffering remains unresolved, affirming that deep faith is possible even in prolonged struggle. A weaving together of story, Scripture, and cultural critique that expands our imagination for what faith can look like. Reflection questions for listeners craving depth over resolution. Christ in the Abyss is a book for anyone who has cried out into the void and wondered if anyone, especially God, is listening. The good news is that God is always present with us, even in the depths.
For those navigating the stormy waters of depression, despair, or mental illness, Christ in the Abyss offers a rare kind of spiritual companionship. In this raw and redemptive book, Jean Neely shares her decades-long journey with mental health challenges and faith, testifying that Christ’s presence isn’t reserved for the healed―but is found in the very heart of our pain. With poetic clarity and unflinching honesty, Neely challenges triumphalist Christian narratives and stigma in the church and offers a vision of grace and hope that holds, even when nothing is resolved. In this book, you’ll
An alternative to “healing-only” faith narratives that makes room for whose emotional suffering remains unresolved, affirming that deep faith is possible even in prolonged struggle. A weaving together of story, Scripture, and cultural critique that expands our imagination for what faith can look like. Reflection questions for listeners craving depth over resolution. Christ in the Abyss is a book for anyone who has cried out into the void and wondered if anyone, especially God, is listening. The good news is that God is always present with us, even in the depths.
- GenresFaith
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 23, 2026
Christians love triumphal testimonies. "I used to be an addict, then I became a Christian, and now I'm no longer an addict!" And while I do not doubt the reality of those experiences, there is a pernicious consequence of the impulse to focus on those narratives. When we do that, we unintentionally devalue testimony from someone who was an addict in the past who is still struggling with addiction in the present, even as they try their best to follow Jesus.
Especially in American Christian communities, it is easy to see such a person as having a deficient faith. Notice that the phrase "try their best" already establishes that the person is somehow falling short of the life that God has for them, or at least the one we imagine for them. Is their pursuit of Jesus somehow less valid and less worth listening to because of that? The underlying logic is that if they were a "better" Christian, then they would be able to overcome their struggles in the way that we hope for them.
This is a reflection of an underlying thread of prosperity theology: if you believe/behave in the right way, then your life/family/community/country will be blessed in some specific way. (Equivalently, if you're not being blessed in that specific way, you must be doing or believing something wrong.) When we have definitive expectations of how God ought to behave in a situation, we risk completely missing Him if he is doing something different there.
Dr. Neely's "Christ in the Abyss" is a deeply honest and reflective narrative of pursuing Jesus with an ongoing mental health condition. Through her story that spans three countries and decades of struggling to navigate her bipolar disorder, she shares how she finds Jesus in the dark places that many of us don't travel (and may not even fully understand). It strikes a delicate balance between the longing to be free of suffering ("I don't want to be here") and radical acceptance ("This is simply where I am").
There is no triumphal conclusion, and there doesn't need to be one. We should find that the testimony Jesus is there is enough because Jesus himself is enough.
Especially in American Christian communities, it is easy to see such a person as having a deficient faith. Notice that the phrase "try their best" already establishes that the person is somehow falling short of the life that God has for them, or at least the one we imagine for them. Is their pursuit of Jesus somehow less valid and less worth listening to because of that? The underlying logic is that if they were a "better" Christian, then they would be able to overcome their struggles in the way that we hope for them.
This is a reflection of an underlying thread of prosperity theology: if you believe/behave in the right way, then your life/family/community/country will be blessed in some specific way. (Equivalently, if you're not being blessed in that specific way, you must be doing or believing something wrong.) When we have definitive expectations of how God ought to behave in a situation, we risk completely missing Him if he is doing something different there.
Dr. Neely's "Christ in the Abyss" is a deeply honest and reflective narrative of pursuing Jesus with an ongoing mental health condition. Through her story that spans three countries and decades of struggling to navigate her bipolar disorder, she shares how she finds Jesus in the dark places that many of us don't travel (and may not even fully understand). It strikes a delicate balance between the longing to be free of suffering ("I don't want to be here") and radical acceptance ("This is simply where I am").
There is no triumphal conclusion, and there doesn't need to be one. We should find that the testimony Jesus is there is enough because Jesus himself is enough.
August 15, 2026
In this book, author Jean Neely PhD, writes about her decades long journey with depression and bipolar 1. Diagnosed at just 15 years of age, after spending time in a teenage psych ward, Jean candidly describes how she managed to survive the life she was dealt.
Neely points out, in a no-nonsense way, that the presence of Christ isn't reserved only for those who have already been healed, but is also open to those who swim in the dark depths of depression. She challenges the long-held idea by the church that mental illness is a weakness of faith. Having been raised in the church, she understands how belittling statements like that can make one who suffers with mental illness feel.
Jean finds a supportive community in France who hold her up when she couldn't hold up herself. She had supportive parents who didn't pressure her as many Asian parents do. From the back of the book: "Christ in the Abyss" is a book for anyone who has cried out in the void and wondered if anyone, especially God, is listening.
After reading this account, I learned that God isn't waiting for me to be healed before He accepts me. He already has accepted me and loves me with a love incomparable to anything else. I appreciated the many quotes she included throughout the book, especially those of Thomas Merton.
Neely points out, in a no-nonsense way, that the presence of Christ isn't reserved only for those who have already been healed, but is also open to those who swim in the dark depths of depression. She challenges the long-held idea by the church that mental illness is a weakness of faith. Having been raised in the church, she understands how belittling statements like that can make one who suffers with mental illness feel.
Jean finds a supportive community in France who hold her up when she couldn't hold up herself. She had supportive parents who didn't pressure her as many Asian parents do. From the back of the book: "Christ in the Abyss" is a book for anyone who has cried out in the void and wondered if anyone, especially God, is listening.
After reading this account, I learned that God isn't waiting for me to be healed before He accepts me. He already has accepted me and loves me with a love incomparable to anything else. I appreciated the many quotes she included throughout the book, especially those of Thomas Merton.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Jean Neely offers a touching, courageous look at the challenge of following Christ while living with serious mental health illness. With unadorned yet penetrating writing and a gift for storytelling, Neely shares how she’s journeyed from feeling like a burden and spiritual failure to experiencing Christ’s grace and love. Her journey has been slow, messy, and is still ongoing. Yet in the midst of emotional pain, Jean has tasted and seen that the Lord is good. With hard-won insight and gentle encouragement, Neely serves as a trustworthy, wounded-yet-brave traveling companion for anyone experiencing significant psychological issues themselves. Her book is also an invaluable resource for anyone with friends or loved ones suffering from psychiatric illnesses. Which is to say this book is for everyone.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Countering Narrative Scarcity
In Christ in the Abyss, Dr. Jean Neely offers something both deeply personal and urgently needed: a narrative that illuminates the lived experience of depression while pointing toward hope, understanding and grace.
One of the greatest challenges facing those who suffer from depression is what Neely named “narrative scarcity”, the absence of stories that adequately capture their experience.
A particularly important contribution of Christ in the Abyss is Neely’s examination of the narrative limitations that can exist within some faith spaces. While the church often provides comfort, fellowship and spiritual support, they can also unintentionally constrain the stories that are permitted to be told. Narratives of victory, healing and steadfast faith are celebrated, while experiences of ongoing depression, doubt and emotional suffering may be met with discomfort, misunderstanding or silence.
At its heart, Christ in the Abyss is a testament to the power of testimony. Dr. Neely’s willingness to share her own story creates space for others to share theirs. Her work comforts those navigating depression and equips the broader community to become more compassionate companions along the journey of faith.
In a world where too many continue to suffer in silence, Christ in the Abyss is a welcome and necessary contribution, one that reminds us that grace remains possible even in the deepest abyss.
In Christ in the Abyss, Dr. Jean Neely offers something both deeply personal and urgently needed: a narrative that illuminates the lived experience of depression while pointing toward hope, understanding and grace.
One of the greatest challenges facing those who suffer from depression is what Neely named “narrative scarcity”, the absence of stories that adequately capture their experience.
A particularly important contribution of Christ in the Abyss is Neely’s examination of the narrative limitations that can exist within some faith spaces. While the church often provides comfort, fellowship and spiritual support, they can also unintentionally constrain the stories that are permitted to be told. Narratives of victory, healing and steadfast faith are celebrated, while experiences of ongoing depression, doubt and emotional suffering may be met with discomfort, misunderstanding or silence.
At its heart, Christ in the Abyss is a testament to the power of testimony. Dr. Neely’s willingness to share her own story creates space for others to share theirs. Her work comforts those navigating depression and equips the broader community to become more compassionate companions along the journey of faith.
In a world where too many continue to suffer in silence, Christ in the Abyss is a welcome and necessary contribution, one that reminds us that grace remains possible even in the deepest abyss.
August 2, 2026
I could not put this book down. Dr. Neely shares her heart and soul of life in the abyss and it’s so real and relatable. She explores trauma in early childhood, mental health and pain, and what has been helpful in navigating all of the above. I just love that Dr. Neely’s writing and voice creates a safe space and judgement free zone. I would recommend this book to anyone.
Review of advance copy
Everything that's lacking in the church can be found in the abyss.
July 23, 2026
This is a beautiful book. A necessary addition to the faith space. Deep reflection/discussion questions and excellent writing. I appreciate the author's personal stories and examples.
June 28, 2026
Jean Neely’s “Christ in the Abyss” is both solace and understanding for those navigating the depths. It’s also a way to hold one’s hand through it, pointing to God as THERE. Written with grace and wisdom from personal experience, Neely speaks to anyone in the midst of pain. So many thoughtful nuggets had me underlining key points throughout. With honesty, care, and Christ’s love as you are, there’s certainly hope.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews